Orientation Day 2

Beautiful Colorado Mountains

Second day of orientation

Today marks the second day of orientation and so far, it has made me even more excited to be attending the DU-Daniels. I am thoroughly enjoying the time we have getting to know all of the IMBA (International MBA) and MBA students from all the cohorts prior to the start of classes. I’ve met many genuinely passionate business students that I look forward to getting to know better. It is always interesting to hear about the life paths people have traveled which have led them to choose an MBA degree. I have met people that were formerly electric engineers in other countries to successful business owners seeking more knowledge and technical skills.

Leading at the Edge
One of the many important aspects that I am impressed by is the focus DU has on creating business students that are not only professionally adept but are also ethically equipped to face the ethical dilemmas that plague the business sector. Many of the orientation sessions have focused on learning how to become “self-aware” through an unconventional approach to education. One of the dynamic methods that Daniels (the school of business) tries to accomplish this is through what’s called the “Leading at the Edge” weekend. This three day trip in the mountains will consist of physical challenges of endurance as well as strategic mental challenges geared towards developing team cooperation and problem solving skills. According to the DU staff and alumni, this is not a normal ropes course that many people do for fun. In contrast, this particular location hosted the 10th Mountain Division where a group of soldiers trained during WWII to battle the harsh weather conditions and demanding elevations of foreign lands. I will discuss in a later post in October after the trip.

With joy always comes pain
With all of the wonderful things that have been happening during orientation, one cannot expect there not to be any occasional "rain clouds". Today after, walking 4 blocks to my car, I noticed a vibrant yellow citation from the City of Denver. It was a ticket I received after apparently parking for six hours in a one hour parking location.  To my knowledge, there weren't any signs near-by that stated this City regulation however, I am overdue for a new vision prescription.

First Day of classes
The first day of my official MBA two year career begins on Monday and I already have a reading list comparable to a library and the best part is, I know that this is only the beginning of many long nights to come! I wonder if they will allow me to setup a cot in the library and just rent a spot for the academic year? Oh well, as they say, "Vale la pena!".